Terrence Bruce Shirey

Terrence Bruce Shirey, age 81 of Nashville, TN, formerly of Columbus, Georgia, passed away on Friday, April 1, 2016. Mr. Shirey was born October 9, 1934 in Columbus, Georgia to Theodore Holmes Shirey and the former Gladys Ezell Rutherford, and was a graduate of Jordan High School in Columbus.

He was a member, and ultimately Drum Major for the national champion Jordan High School Marching Band. After high school, Mr. Shirey attended the University of Georgia and continued his music career as a member of the Georgia Redcoat Marching Band. It is unclear whether his rabid, persistent, undying love of Georgia football preceded his matriculation, or was a result of his time spent in Athens. Regardless, his favorite time of year was SEC football season.

He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Rogers Shirey in 1956; they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on the day of his passing. He served in the Army from 1957-1959, and was stationed in Germany during this period.

Upon returning to the states he resumed his job at Sears. He began his tenure at Sears while in college as a part-time shoe salesman and spent his entire professional career, spanning more than 30 years as a Sears employee. He held positions ranging from advertising assistant, to store manager, to Southeast regional public relations executive and general merchandising manager for the Atlanta region. He retired back to Columbus in 1991.

In retirement he enjoyed golf, travel and pursued his love of music. In 1988, he was a founding member of the Bob Barr Community Band. While in his twenties, and then again in his fifties, he played first clarinet for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. In addition to music, he enjoyed penning letters to the editor to express his views on various subjects. The last of his many published letters ran on March 27. Once his grandchildren were born they became the focus of his retirement activities. In 2005, he and Barbara moved to Nashville to be closer to them. “G Daddy” was their number one fan and never missed a school event or athletic competition in their K-12 careers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Theodore “Teddy” Holmes Shirey, Jr. and daughter, Ginger Colleen Shirey.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Rogers Shirey; his son Terry Shirey, Jr. and wife Melissa Shirey; two grandchildren, Madison Shirey and Morgan Shirey, all of Nashville; brother Donald Shirey and wife Pat of Canton, Georgia and nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Mr. Shirey’s family will host a memorial service and celebration of life at 11 am, Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Scarritt Bennett Center Wightman Chapel with reception to follow in Bennett Hall, 1008 19th Avenue South, Nashville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harding Academy, 170 Windsor Drive, Nashville, TN 37205.

Condolence Messages

Dear Shirey family,
You have been in my thoughts and prayers over the past few days. Words can’t express how saddened I was to hear of your loss. As the days and weeks pass, may you feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends and your fond memories of Mr. Shirey.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this most difficult time.
Terry was a positive influence in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
We had some great times playing together in The Bob Barr Community Band. He was an excellent
musician and clarinetist!
May God continue to surround you with His peace and love.

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